Q: I want to believe in Jesus, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Some of my Christian friends tell me that all I need to do is to have faith, but how can I have faith in something I'm not even sure is true? Is faith just a blind leap in the dark, like some people say? — R.H.

A: If a "blind leap in the dark" means believing in Jesus without having any evidence to support your faith, then your faith may not last. I don't doubt your friends' sincerity, but God has given us solid reasons to believe in Jesus, and I hope you'll discover them for yourself.

Tomorrow, millions of Christians will celebrate the most startling event in human history — the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. You probably know the background: His enemies had decided to destroy Him, and He was condemned to die in the cruelest way possible, by being nailed to a cross. Hours later, there could be no doubt He was dead; the Roman soldiers confirmed it, and His body was taken down and placed in a cave-like tomb, its entrance sealed by a large stone.

But on the third day, some women came to the tomb and discovered the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty! By the power of God, Jesus had been raised from the dead, and during the next 40 days He appeared repeatedly to His followers, including over 500 at one time (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Why do I focus on Jesus' resurrection? Because it wasn't a myth or legend; it really happened! And once you understand this, your doubts will fade. And you will find yourself saying with Thomas, who once had been filled with doubt, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

Q: Why do you Christians make such a big deal of Jesus' death? After all, throughout history lots of famous people (like Socrates) have been put to death for their beliefs. What makes Jesus so special? — D. McN.

A: Today, Christians throughout the world will be remembering the death of Jesus Christ on a Roman cross almost 2,000 years ago. This day is often called "Good Friday," and it recounts Jesus' betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion.

Isn't it a contradiction to call such a tragic series of events "Good Friday"? In some ways it is, because what took place then wasn't only cruel but unjust, for Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against Him. In fact, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, repeatedly declared, "I find no basis for a charge against him" (John 19:4). And yet Pilate gave in to the pressure of the crowd and ordered Him put to death.

But what took place that day was truly good, because it was the most important event in human history (along with Jesus' resurrection). The reason is because by His death Jesus paid the price for our sins. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He died in our place. As the Bible says, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7).

As you've said, history records the deaths of many great men and women. But only Christ's death offers us the hope of forgiveness and eternal life. On this holy day, take time to reflect on Christ's death for you -- and then respond by giving your life to Him. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

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